Plumbing problems can cause significant migraines for homeowners. Common issues include leaks, clogs, and sewer issues. Not only can these problems wreak havoc on your home (and make for a terrible day), but they can also take a bite out of your budget. But many preventative steps can be taken to avoid such disasters and to save money on plumbing repairs.
Learning some preventive maintenance—simple fixes and knowing ahead of time what to do in the event of a plumbing emergency—can help you escape water damage and cut down on (or avoid) costly plumber bills. Here are some simple ways the plumbing professionals save money on plumbing in their own homes.
Locate the Water Shut-off Valve
Frantic homeowners frequently call Auger Pros Plumbing for burst pipes, which are flooding their homes or yards. Knowing where your main water shut-off valve is and how to operate it before you have a problem can help you avoid a chaotic (and costly) experience.
Do Quarterly Maintenance on Unused Drains
If you have a spare bathroom, basement floor drain, or another drain that doesn’t get used frequently, it can start to get smelly. You can alleviate this problem by pouring some vinegar and baking soda into the drain followed by a hot water rinse every few months.
Skip The Drano And Go For The Snake
Many homeowners upon the first sign of a clog, reach for the Drano- but pros know this can cost you more in the long run. Not only do these chemicals fail in many instances, but they can damage pipes, as well. Reach for an auger that snakes the clog out of the drain instead.
Strain Your Drains
Hair- Hair, Everywhere. We shave, retain some on our head if we are lucky…Yet when it falls out -it can bring on a costly clog. If you cover the drains with mesh screens to catch loose strands and clean out the strainers weekly to prevent buildup, hopefully, you will have fewer clogs!
Fix Small Leaks Before They Become Big Leaks
It can be easy to put off fixing that annoying dripping faucet but ignoring plumbing problems is never a good idea. A quick repair might take a little time and money, but it can save you money down the line. Not to mention, you are literally dripping money down the drain.
You Can’t Flush This
Not to be confused with McHammers You Can’t Touch This. The only object that should actually go down the toilet is toilet paper. Most items that claim they are flushable-wipes and sanitary supplies for example—can result in clogs and expensive plumbing repairs. Other seemingly harmless objects, such as hair, cigarette butts, and paper towels, can damage your pipes, as well.
Can The Grease
You may have learned that dumping cooking grease down the drain was okay, as long as you followed it with dish soap and hot water. It is a MYTH!! Unfortunately, this mixture cannot prevent the grease from clogging your pipes. Instead, dump the grease into a sealable container and wipe pots and pans out prior to washing them.
Protect Your Pipes From the Cold
Frozen pipes can crack and burst when the temperatures drop, leaving you with a colossal mess and an expensive plumbing repair. If you insulate your pipes, you are less likely to have this occur. Additional helpful methods to protect your pipes-When it’s cold out, leave cabinets under sinks open to allow warm air to circulate and let the cold water drip from your faucets.
Hire a Plumber to Do a Sewer Video Camera Inspection
Grease, Hair and not to be flushed items aren’t the only things that cause costly clogs. Tree roots and rotten or collapsed pipes can be culprits, as well. Hiring a professional plumbing company like Auger Pros to view inside your sewer lines can see the damage before it gets too excessive.
Have the Plumbing Done Right the First Time
Making sure your plumbing is installed properly the first time will also save you a lot of money. If plumbing is not done right, you will have wasted materials. You’ll have to pay a plumber to find and then fix any problems. You may have to apply for multiple permits if your plumbing does not pass an inspection the first time, which can slow down the building process and cost you more. Therefore, avoid doing your own plumbing if you don’t know what you’re doing. Also, ask for references and look at reviews for plumbers so you can hire the right one.
We hope you have gleaned some helpful advice from our simple tips on how to save money on plumbing repairs. If you have any questions about them or wish to schedule a plumbing inspection of your house or business, Feel free to Call! 214-206-6580